Hi all 2000 xj8 I am having a problem with j gate every now and then,upon start up car will not do anything. so I have to remove the screw on top left on j gate insert long thin screw driver and move the contact then car will start any thoughts to what is causing this would be appreciated .my wife got stuck yesterday its becoming a pain in the ***. as I said it only happens now and then. thanks jrb53

 

There's something called an interlock solenoid that locks the trans selector, this item can as does fail so I would look there first. To access it you'll need to remove the 'ski slope' wood trim and maybe the center console - there's plenty of info on this procedure if you get busy with the search function.
When you press the brake pedal you can hear it disengage so you can select drive - does it still do this or is it intermittent?

 

Hi Sean B thanks for the reply, it is intermittent its only happened 3 times in the last 6 months. will have to listen for brake pedal. when it happens car will not start everything dead until I move solenoid. will check it out today and post findings thanks